Transitioning to Digital: The Survival Strategy for Newspapers

The media landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, and newspapers must adapt to survive.

According to Juan Señor, President of INNOVATION Media Consulting Group, “The problem is not social media, it’s the transition to digital. Media first, not social media first.”

Señor, a renowned media expert, emphasized the need for newspapers to transform their workflow and focus on digital-first content.

Give a tease on social media, don’t give the full meal,” he advised members of the Private Newspapers and Online Owners Association of Ghana (PRINPAG).

This approach, he explained allows publishers and journalists to maintain control over their content while still leveraging the reach of social media.

To remain relevant, publishers and editors must change their workflow to accommodate multiple deadlines, focusing on morning, lunchtime, evening, and bedtime news cycles. This requires a significant shift in the way newsrooms operate, with a focus on rapid turnaround times and continuous publishing.

Señor stressed that specialization and courage are essential for making this transition. “Only journalists will save journalism,” he asserts. “Specialization is key, and having the courage to make the transition is crucial.”

This means that journalists must be willing to adapt to new technologies and workflows, while also maintaining their commitment to high-quality reporting.

As Señor notes, “The transition to digital is not a choice, it’s a necessity. Newspapers must adapt to survive”.

Señor’s expertise in the media industry is unparalleled, with a career spanning war reporting, television presenting, and consulting for hundreds of media companies worldwide.

His visit to Accra provides a unique opportunity for PRINPAG members to learn from his experience and gain insights into the future of newspapers in the digital age.

His engagement provided valuable guidance for newspapers looking to navigate the challenges of the digital age.